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Hello, Evanston! My name is Julie Farley and I am a lifelong Evanston resident and Library Lover! Today I ask for your help to support EPL's 150th Anniversary Campaign. I'm making my own gift of $15,000 and I'd like to ask you to join me in a match. Let me give you 4 reasons why:
1. Together We Are the Library!
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These are more than words to me. I truly believe that we, as the Evanston community, are the foundation of the Library. And we need to support our Library together, too. |
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When I first learned how little EPL receives in overall taxes, especially compared to our neighbors, I knew I had to be a donor. Did you know that EPL only receives about 3 cents out of every tax dollar? |
Whether you see them in person at the Main Library, Robert Crown Branch, or out around town; or if you read about their good works in the e-newsletters, the many individuals that make up our Library are hard at work. Particularly now - in this time of budget & staffing challenges, book bans, censorship...and #FakeNews - EPL staff and volunteers are working harder than ever. For this, I am grateful.
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They've come a long way in 150 years, but always with the same mission: connecting Evanstonians to the resources in their community. Today, EPL focuses on providing access and diversity across its collection, in its programming, and in all its services.
In honor of this milestone, EPL has a goal to raise $150,000 to support the continued growth of the Library’s programs and services most valued by this community. As of today, they have raised $90,000 and have one month left to reach their goal by September 15.
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Because I believe in the Library, I am offering $15,000 and ask you to match this with your own gift.
All gifts will be matched by my gift dollar for dollar, up to $15,000 from August 11 - August 18. A gift of any size is an affirmation that this community understands the value of our Evanston Public Library.
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Together, we can advance the Library's work and support programs that build access and diversity. We can help raise our community's ability to meet their own goals and aspirations.
Together we are the Library! Thank You! -- Julie Farley
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All gifts are gratefully accepted. Join EPL's Leadership or Monthly Giving and support our inclusive programming
A gift of $10 per month supports the diversification of our collection, such as purchasing as many as 12 books by authors with known underrepresented identities. Monthly Giving also spreads the Library Love across the year. Choose the “Recurring Donation” box on the gift form to choose this option.
Leadership Gifts of $1,000 or more support programs that encourage dialogue, such as the Dedicated to the Dream program, a family workshop designed for children and families to talk about race together and affirm all shades of skin.
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Why taxes aren't enough
While property taxes are the majority of the Evanston Public Library’s income, this tax revenue does not fully fund EPL’s work. In FY2023, over 12% of EPL’s overall budget will come from non-tax revenue such as grants and individual donations. Without these donated dollars, EPL would not be able to provide the programs and services it does today.
EPL receives significantly less from taxes than our peer libraries in the surrounding area. On average, EPL receives $93 per resident per year in taxes.
 Donations to the Evanston Public Library are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Your donation provides general support to the Library. The possibilities are endless, but our resources are not. We hope you’ll consider making a gift today — we need your support. Make your donation a recurring gift and spread your Library Love across the whole year!
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Thank You!
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Together we are the Library!
For 150 years, the Library has provided educational, culturally-rich resources for all residents, helped children prepare for school through the joys of reading and learning, celebrated Evanston’s diversity, and helped residents find information they seek. The Library is more than a building of books; it is a place to meet, connect, learn, and explore. To learn more, visit www.epl.org.
Questions? Contact: Wynn Shawver, Chief Development Officer
wshawver@cityofevanston.org
Phone: (847) 448-8657
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